STELLAR VINTAGE FOR SACRED HILL
Special Selection Reds trio spark back-to-back success
The team at Sacred Hill are very proud to release the 2014 Special Selection red wines from their Gimblett Gravels
Vineyard; Helmsman Cabernet Merlot, Brokenstone Blend and Deerstalkers Syrah.
Following the outstanding success of the 2013 vintage release of this iconic range, it is apparent that the 2014 wines
are equally exceptional, although bearing the hallmarks of a different climatic season. The 2014’s are characterised by
richness and depth of flavour, with supple tannin balance and elegance of structure.
The spring and early summer preceding the 2014 harvest were very warm and dry, with blustery wind conditions. Heat
accumulation was high, and most horticultural crops came in up to two weeks earlier than average, giving clear
indication that we were in for an early and ripe fruit vintage.
Sacred Hill has invested in state of the art red processing equipment from Europe, which gently de-stems the berries
without crushing. These whole berries are then tipped gently into our small open top fermentors without any mechanical
process, which coupled with foot and hand plunging, has produced wines of exceptional purity and focus. Following
extended time on skins, the vats were gently pressed in our basket press, ensuring suppleness and tannin finesse.
Elevage in French oak barriques for 18 months occurred in temperature controlled cellars. The blends were subsequently
gently fined in the traditional manner with egg whites before bottling. A further period of 8 months cellaring prior to
release has occurred to allow the wines time to build and develop.
Winemaker at Sacred Hill, Tony Bish, says: “These 2014 Special Selection reds have an intense purity of flavour, amazing
depth and richness, supple tannins, and a freshness that is the hallmark of great wines. The attention to detail by our
viticultural and winemaking teams at every step of the way has reflected in wines of integrity, pure class and
exceptional balance. These wines will cellar with grace, greatly rewarding the patient wine appreciator, however carry a
charm and gentle structure that will make restraint a difficult endeavour!”
SACRED HILL HELMSMAN 2014
Winemaker’s note – Inky deep colour. Rich aromas of chocolate, cassis, dark berry, violets, roasted meats and savoury dried herb notes. The
fine tannin structure builds intensity in the palate to a plush mid-palate texture, wonderful forest floor complexity,
and a fine and lingering finish. A very classical and elegantly powerful wine.
RRP: $84.99
SACRED HILL BROKENSTONE 2014
Winemaker’s note - Deep plummy red. Complex aromas of baked plum, sweet leather, dark flowers, cedar, licorice and baking spices. The
palate is supple with sweet black fruits, baked plum, sage and dark chocolate notes. The structure is fine with soft
chalky tannins and a lovely slatey/mineral aftertaste.
RRP: $49.99
SACRED HILL DEERSTALKERS SYRAH 2014
Winemaker’s note - Excellent depth of colour. Lifted floral nose with black pepper, blue flowers, milk chocolate and sweet black berries
and dark cherry notes. The palate has profound depth, yet elegance and style. Ripe black berry and cherry flavours are
enhanced by black pepper spice and hints of minerality. A powerful and finely structured Syrah.
RRP: $59.99
The Special Selection is drinking extremely well now and can be cellared for 10 – 15 years.
Available from selected wine stores and Sacred Hill Wine Company.
For further information visit www.sacredhill.com.
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